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SMC love your street program
Love Your Street Neighborhood Clean-Up Project

Tired of seeing litter on your street? San Mateo County’s Sustainability Department believes that litter-free streets, parks, and public areas are essential to the beauty and sustainability of our community. To improve the appearance of San Mateo County and to protect the wildlife and habitats, the Sustainability Department is launching the “Love Your Street” Project. The purpose of this project is to reduce litter on the major and minor thoroughfares throughout San Mateo County while you are out and about on your walks or hikes. You can also submit your before and after clean-up photos to to be entered into a contest for monthly prizes. We thank you for your interest in this program.

Now assemble your clean-up gear, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), face mask, trash bags or buckets, gloves, trash grabber (if available), sun protection, and make sure to wear close-toed shoes to protect against sharp objects and let’s get started!

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Email us at loveyourstreet@smcgov.org
Call (888) 442-2666.

For San Mateo County’s latest COVID-19 guidelines, please visit: www.smcgov.org/coronavirus. 

ITEMS YOU MIGHT FIND ON YOUR LITTER CLEAN-UP

  • Recyclable Items: Bottles, and Cans.
  • Non-Recyclable Items: Cigarette Butts, Candy or Chip wrappers, Dirty or soiled paper, Gum Wrappers, Plastic Wrap or Bags, Cups (paper and plastic), fast food wrapping, condiment packets, clothes.
  • Large Items: Furniture, Electronic Waste, and Appliances, please call your local City or the County to report these items.
Program Guidelines
  • Each group must commit to either:
    • One-day: one clean-up
    • One-week: two weekends in a row
    • One-month: four weekends in a row or monthly
  • Commit to adopting an area of roadway, street block or corner
  • An adult supervisor over the age of 18 must be present at all times during any cleanup event
  • All participants under the age of 18 must have a guardian fill out the registration form 
  • Individuals and Families units that have children are encouraged to participate
  • No trespassing onto private property, only clean-up publicly accessible sidewalks or within public parks
Safety Guidelines
  • Work from the sidewalk. Stay out of the street.
  • Wear reflective bright-colored clothing.
  • Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear, layered clothing, sunscreen, and keep hydrated.
  • Protect your hands. Wear gloves and/or use tools to reach for objects.
  • Wear a face mask, and be sure to Social Distance and follow the County’s COVID-19 guidelines.
  • Sweep, rake, or shovel glass. Never pick up sharp objects with your bare hands.
  • Be smart and safe! If you do not recognize an item or are unsure of the contents within an item, please leave that item where you found it and report to the local police if suspicious.
  • Stop work if the weather is uncooperative.
  • Do not overexert yourself, especially on hot days.
  • Have a first aid kit nearby or with you.
  • If it’s a small group use a buddy system – look out for each other.
  • Have a cellular phone on hand.
  • Bring heavy garbage bags or buckets for your litter and a bag or bucket for recyclables.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle filled with water for drinking and snacks.
  • If you encounter residents who do not want you to clean the litter near their home, you can move further down the block or go to another street.

GET STARTED

Register online or send an email to loveyourstreet@smcgov.org to get the forms.

Monthly Prizes from Love Your Street SMC

Monthly Prizes | #LoveYourStreetSMC

We are encouraging volunteers to take before and after photos to document their clean-up projects and share it with us via email to loveyourstreet@smcgov.org. Each photo entry will be reviewed by the Sustainability Department every month, and one posting will be selected and announced on our Instagram page @SustainSMC to receive a special prize!